Powell's Visit to Africa Includes Pressure
On Strongmen to Honor Democratic Rule

By

Michael M. Phillips Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated May 29, 2001 12:01 a.m. ET

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Hoping to convince dubious Africans that they are a U.S. foreign-policy priority, the Bush administration is conducting a pointed campaign to persuade two of the continent's most recalcitrant strongmen to abide by democratic rules and step down from power when their terms end.

In a visit here this weekend, Secretary of State Colin Powell and his aides suggested in thinly veiled terms that President Daniel arap Moi, in power since 1978, should leave office after next year's elections. Mr. Powell also wants...